Office etiquette: The dos and don’ts
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
Being a team player fosters healthy relationships with peers. / Net photo.

In an office or any other workplace setting, how you present yourself or interact with others speaks volumes about who you are as a person, as an employee and co-worker as well. This is why minding about etiquette or how you conduct yourself matters and not only does it define your personality, it also influences the pathway for your career growth. 

Below are some useful tips on how to master the right office etiquette;

Stay away from office politics

When at work, it’s important to be active and hardworking, however, maintaining a low profile is as important too. It’s inevitable for co-workers to at some point want the same promotion or a certain office; competition is what mostly brings about office politics. But as a courteous employee, always choose to take the high road and do things the right way.

Another aspect to this is engaging in cliques that in most cases want to harm and talk ill about the organisation, this can get one into trouble or ultimately get fired. Stay away from such and only have relationships that build you as an employee and the organisation that employs you.

Be respectful and maintain a positive attitude

How you behave at work affects others, it’s, hence, important to keep this in mind. Maintain a positive attitude but above all be respectful to others regardless of what you could be going through. Bullying or insulting others can affect their performance, and yours too because no one can thrive in a toxic environment. Endeavour to be the friendly and approachable type of person at work who is kind and willing to help others.

Dress appropriately

When at work, it’s always good to be smart, however, some take this a notch higher all in the name of wanting to impress. As an employee who wants to have esteem and be respected, dress elegantly and decently by refraining from putting on revealing clothes to work. You can always have the opportunity to dress that way out of office. Otherwise, since it’s always professional at work, it’s only wise to keep it strictly professional even with style.

Be a team player

Success mostly comes when we work with others. Embarking on a solo journey as an employee will always create loneliness. As a co-worker, ensure to work with others because this will help you grow much better but also foster healthy relationships with your peers.

Never attend meetings without a notebook

Always go to meetings with a pen and paper or notebook. If not, you are bound to look unserious. As you note down important points mentioned, it also allows you to be active by asking or supplementing on what is being discussed.

Stay in your lane

No one ever got into trouble for minding their business. Though it’s good to be friendly at work, it’s always better to stay away from other people’s personal lives. Stay in your lane and only engage in their issues when they invite you to. This shows maturity and respect for those you work with.